Bachelor of Architectural Science

at British Columbia Institute of Technology - Burnaby Campus Canada

Data is the essence of an enterprise. Enterprise resource planning (ERP), supply chain management (SCM), and customer resource management (CRM) systems create a network of data for your customers, your suppliers, and your organization. Given the changes in industry due to technology, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence, there is an increasing market demand for specialists with both business and IT skills, which is why the Business Information Technology Management (BITMAN) – Enterprise Systems Management (ESM) program will help you launch an in-demand career.

If you’re looking to gain the training necessary to start or grow your career, the BCIT Business Information Technology Management – Enterprise Systems Management diploma program gives you a broad range of skills that make you stand out in almost any industry. With cutting-edge courses that are relevant to today’s IT and business demands, BCIT gives you the leadership skills, the know-how, and the confidence for a successful career in business IT analysis and management. The BITMAN program will prepare you for success in a rapidly changing world.

Are you passionate about working outdoors and interested in the management of trees, vegetation & forest ecosystems? The Forest and Natural Areas Management (FNAM) program is a two-year diploma program with a focus on forestry, vegetation management, arboriculture for supporting sustainable community development in both rural and urban environments.

The program gives you a strong foundation in ecology, earth sciences, mapping, surveying & measurements. You will learn skills and training in silviculture, forest inventory, forest engineering, fire & forest health management, and urban forestry. Our programs unique focus natural areas in urban & interface environments provide you with skills in the management of trees, invasive species & soil resources. The breadth of technical and field-based skills you acquire also relevant to many other natural resource sectors.

Why is forest management important?
Management of forest resources in today’s world means managing forest ecosystems. Forestry practices must integrate field skills, scientific knowledge and technology in an ecological framework, to produce various goods and services. It involves assessing the health of forests with respect to insects and disease, planning revegetation strategies, and using technology to map and track forest inventories. But it is also about considering the interests of other resource users, while ensuring future generations can equally benefit from our forests. Forest ecosystems provide major economic, social & ecological benefits to communities, businesses & First Nations throughout British Columbia. Almost 60% of the land in British Columbia is forested – stewardship of these lands is no small feat. Are you up for the challenge?

What is natural areas management?
With increasing urbanization, forests and natural areas in and around our communities are growing in importance. People value natural areas for recreation, aesthetics and psychological well-being. But natural areas also provide important ecological services, like habitat for wildlife, promotion of biodiversity, storm-water flood mitigation & heat wave moderation. Whether you’re assessing urban trees, reducing wildfire risk around communities, or managing invasive plants, the role of a natural areas manager is diverse. It also requires an integration of skills, from community planning, to vegetation management & urban forestry.

What are some key skills FNAM students learn?

• Identify, describe, measure and interpret ecosystems and associated components including landforms, vegetation, soils, geomorphology, aquatic ecosystems, forest stand attributes and wildlife habitat
• Collect field data in both urban and rural environments and create technical reports, spreadsheets and digital maps using industry standard software (such as GIS & GPS) including the use of leading technology
• Apply vegetation management techniques for application in wildland and urban silviculture areas
• Analyze vegetation symptoms that relate to insects and diseases
• Design and implement sampling plans and techniques for resource inventories
• Assist in wildland and urban interface forest fire activities including suppression and hazard assessment
• Apply forest engineering principles to meet the objectives of operational plans and forest management objectives
• Communicate effectively in all aspects of natural resource management activities
• Apply principles of ethics and professionalism to day-to-day activities

The Chemical and Environmental Technology diploma program offers the student a broad background in technology and skills that can be applied to many industries. Near the end of their first year in the program, students will choose one of two options: Analytical Science or Process Engineering. These options are not exclusive — all students will have enough exposure to both topic areas to qualify for a full spectrum of varied employment opportunities. Choosing an option allows students to pick an area of interest for increased emphasis while still keeping their future options open. 

Core courses
The first-year curriculum is common to both options and emphasizes environmental science, bioprocesses, materials technology, laboratory techniques and safety along with math and science basics. The student is also introduced to environmental science, materials technology, and a wide range of industrial chemical processes. The core second-year subjects for both options include several courses in environmental sampling and analysis, chemical engineering technology, instrumental analysis, physical chemistry, and statistics that will prepare students for employment in a broad range of industries and technical occupations. Students will participate in an industry-sponsored project (practicum or directed studies) in the second year of the program. This may involve work experience activities at the industry sponsor's regular place of business.

Analytical Science option
The Analytical Science option will be of interest to those students who would enjoy an increased emphasis on instrumental laboratory analysis, organic chemistry, environmental regulations, and science. The strong core courses will ensure that graduates have sufficient knowledge to compete for jobs in process areas too, if that later becomes their choice. It is anticipated that graduates who choose to continue into degree studies would be most likely to choose from BTech or BSc degrees.

BCIT’s Computer Systems Technology (CST) two-year diploma program combines computer systems theory with hands-on practical experience in software development. You’ll learn software engineering and programming from industry professionals, and gain experience working on real projects, from concept to deployment. In second year, specialty options add depth and further hone your skills.

Students undertake a comprehensive study of control strategies, measurement techniques, communications systems, and electronic and computer systems used in the automatic control of commercial and industrial equipment/machines. A strong component of the program involves the student developing relevant, practical skills by working with modern industrial equipment in well-equipped labs. Students will graduate with a solid foundation in automatic measurement and control systems.

Graduates of this option may obtain a dual diploma in another ECET option by completing all the additional required courses for that option.  Entry to this second option is competitive and priority is given to students completing their first option.

Co-operative education

• Co-operative education is an optional part of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology programs. Students who successfully complete a minimum of two co-op terms receive a co-operative education designation on their diploma.
• During a co-op term, you will have a full-time paid position with an employer in the electronics industry for a period of 15 to 20 weeks. You must complete Level 2 of the program before taking a co-op term, and co-op terms may be taken consecutively.
• The industrial experience you will gain in the co-op component of the program will give you an added advantage in securing a position after graduation. You are encouraged, but not required, to participate in co-operative education.
• For more information, please visit the Centre for Workplace Education (Co-op)

The Chemical and Environmental Technology diploma program offers the student a broad background in technology and skills that can be applied to many industries. Near the end of their first year in the program, students will choose one of two options: Analytical Science or Process Engineering. These options are not exclusive — all students will have enough exposure to both topic areas to qualify for a full spectrum of varied employment opportunities. Choosing an option allows students to pick an area of interest for increased emphasis while still keeping their future options open.

Core courses
The first-year curriculum is common to both options and emphasizes environmental science, bioprocesses, materials technology, laboratory techniques and safety along with math and science basics. The student is also introduced to environmental science, materials technology, and a wide range of industrial chemical processes. The core second-year subjects for both options include several courses in environmental sampling and analysis, chemical engineering technology, instrumental analysis, physical chemistry, and statistics that will prepare students for employment in a broad range of industries and technical occupations. Students will participate in an industry-sponsored project (practicum or directed studies) in the second year of the program. This may involve work experience activities at the industry sponsor's regular place of business.

Process Engineering option
The Process Engineering option will interest students who would enjoy an increased emphasis on chemical and biochemical processes, with a more in-depth introduction to engineering principles and design software. The strong core courses will ensure that the graduates have sufficient knowledge to compete for jobs in analytical laboratories too, if that later becomes their choice. It is anticipated that graduates who choose to continue into degree studies would be able to choose from BEng (chemical engineering) programs as well as from BTech or BSc degrees.

The Computer Information Systems Administration (CISA) program is a full-time program that provides graduates with a comprehensive skill set geared towards administration of computer networks and system. The CISA program emphasizes a hands-on, technical approach to training, where experience gained in labs and classrooms can be applied directly to business and industry.

The program focuses on Information Technology (IT) infrastructure solutions rather than computer engineering or software development. Training comprises both theory and practical experience where the goal is to have the students develop a skill set to be able to install, configure, maintain, monitor, and troubleshoot systems and hardware. To support this training, students are exposed to considerable hands-on activities using well equipped labs. Applicants should have a keen interest in computers, exposure to home networking, strong communication and problem solving skills.

The first year consists of training that introduces students to computer hardware, operating systems, network infrastructure, and cybersecurity. Topics include Microsoft Active Directory services and networking, Cisco routing and switching, Linux administration as well as essentials of databases and programming. While much of the training aligns with industry certifications, students are not required to write any industry exams. Included in first year is a Business Skills for IT course that provides insight into the communication and management skills required in the IT sector.

The second year specializes in deploying and supporting the network infrastructure used in today's enterprise systems. Students leverage industry leading products from Cisco Systems, Microsoft, Fortinet, Juniper, Palo-Alto, Red Hat, SUSE, Oracle, VMWare, and others to create a secure, multiservice business solution. Students work with routing, switching, firewall, server, and client technologies to deploy reliable and redundant campus networks that support remote access and wide area interconnectivity. Topics include security, advanced routing and switching, Voice-over-IP (VoIP), and wireless access. Networked applications are explored and deployed including collaboration and messaging services. Students learn to leverage virtualization technologies, providing the responsiveness needed to support business applications. The integration of “cloud” services to an enterprise along with network management solutions provides insight into the complexities of an enterprise system. Students are encouraged to obtain more advanced industry certifications from Aruba, AWS, Cisco Systems, Microsoft, Oracle, Red Hat, Fortinet, Juniper, Palo-Alto, and VMWare.

The Business Fundamentals (BFUN) program provides an academic path for international and permanent resident students whose first language is not English (and do not meet the general English requirements) to enter a full-time diploma program in the School of Business at BCIT. Upon completion students can enter a number of full-time and part-time diploma programs with credits from the Business Fundamentals program or, if you already have a degree or diploma, enter with an advanced standing.

For some students who want to study a shorter program in business, the Business Fundamentals program also provides an excellent opportunity to learn basic Canadian business skills and improve their English competency.

Consider a career in the dynamic graphic communications industry. The Graphic Communications Technology Management diploma program provides you with the knowledge and skills to manage production processes in the business of digital imaging, as well as hands-on training with the equipment and software you’ll be using in your graphics career.

• You will apply the latest graphic design software, business processes, art direction, and production management, and learn to operate high-tech imaging and finishing technologies.
• You will design and produce marketing materials such as posters, large format signage, labels, variable data documents, books, packaging and other finished products that organizations need to communicate with a connected and informed audience.
• You will manage diverse multi-media technologies for sustainable business practices.
• You will learn Customer Relationship Management software and apply it through building a professional network in the Graphic Communications industry.

BCIT developed this program with the support of leading industry professionals and graphic production companies to help you prepare for positions such as production artist, graphic designer, or print and imaging manager, With access to our on-campus print and imaging facility, you will develop real-world career skills to position you for success in the graphic communications industry.

The Professional Sales option is one of the most respected sales programs in Canada and our graduates are sought after by industry. Professional Sales will prepare you for a career in the dynamic field of business-to-business selling. Companies require skilled sales professionals to develop new customers and build mutually-beneficial relationships. You will learn how to apply proven sales methods, develop sales strategies, and implement marketing skills and new technologies to develop new business and retain customers.